Classical Studies
Explore the Major
Why should you study Classical Studies?
Students earning a major in one of the areas of Classics examine ancient Greek and Roman cultures - their languages, literature, history, religion, art, and philosophy. The academic programs offer essential knowledge of the traditions of Western Europe, as well as traditional grounding in the Classics. Students acquire important foreign-language study skills that include careful reading, thoughtful writing, and persuasive speaking. There are four emphases from which students can choose.
Classical Studies Emphases
Emphasis: Classical Civilizations
Students take one year of Greek or Latin, in addition to studying history, literature, philosophy, and arts of Greek and Roman civilizations.
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Emphasis: Classics
Students study Greek and Latin literature and languages, while also doing some coursework in Classical Civilization.
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Emphasis: Greek
Students study Greek language in depth, in addition to studying history, literature, philosophy, and arts of Greek civilizations.
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Emphasis: Latin
Students study Latin language in depth, in addition to studying history, literature, philosophy, and arts of Roman civilizations.
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Classical Studies Department Contacts
- Academic and Professional Development Manager: Cielle Davis
- Section Head: Thomas Wayment
- Internship Coordinator: Lisa Johnson
- Comparative Arts and Letters Department: Comparative Arts and Letters
- Classical Studies program: Classics | Home
Competencies and Careers
Competencies Developed in the Program
Students in the Classical Studies program can expect to develop strong competencies:
- Communication
- Information Literacy
- Cultural Navigation
Want to know more about these professional competencies? Career Readiness.
Common Career Fields
Classical Studies students can use their degree to pursue careers in many fields!
Some of those include: Law, Libraries and Archives, Museum Curation, Editing, Tourism, Education/Academia, Administration
Jobs in these career fields:
Would you like to know about specific jobs in these fields? Check out this pamphlet.
Handshake: Check out job postings in a career field that interests you! Use Handshake, the ultimate job board for internships and entry level jobs. Use it to search for jobs, connect with alumni, and research companies.
Meet with your advisor!
Would you like to know more about the program to see if it’s a good fit for your goals? Would you like to know more about your career options? Do you have a career option in mind but you’d like resources to help you chart a path toward that goal? Come with your Academic and Professional Development Manager, Cielle Davis!
Contact the Liberal Arts Advisement Center to set up an appointment!
How to add the major
- This is an open enrollment program! Simply submit a major change request on your Progress Report to get started in the major.
- No matter your chosen emphasis, you’ll have a chance to study Greek and/or Latin!
Student Success Stories
- Read how Classical Studies grads have used their degree in their chosen career fields! Check out these: Classics | Student Testimonials
- Erin: “Studying Classics means studying not just the languages the Ancient Greek and Romans spoke or the events that happened in their history, but also understanding the culture and people that were alive during that time. As an employee at a public library and someone applying to get a degree in Public Administration, this is what I use most in my everyday life: the understanding I gained that all people are different, but also that we are all the same.”
- Patrick: “My degree has helped me to write lengthy legal briefs and prepare prospectuses for business ideas.”
- Rachel: “My current job does not [directly relate to] Classics, but it did require a bachelor's degree. I knew when I came to college that having a degree would give me more opportunity in life and that has proved true. … The Classics program specifically helped me strengthen my love of learning, my attention to detail and my dedication. All of which are helpful tools in every aspect of my life.”
FAQs
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Toggle ItemI have more questions about this major. Who can I talk to?Cielle Davis, Academic and Professional Development Manager
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Toggle ItemHow do I declare this major?
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Toggle ItemWhich minors do Classical Studies students usually have?Classics pairs well with many minors! Depending on your career goals, you might choose: Digital Humanities, Civic Engagement Leadership, Philosophy, Statistics, Business, Global Women’s Studies, Biology, or Legal Studies. You can check out all of the minors BYU offers in the BYU Catalog.
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Toggle ItemWhat if I want to double major in Classical Studies and another program?You can petition to double major. Learn about the process here.